Chris Packham Biography: Age, Real Name, Career, Education, Parents, Height, Siblings, Wife, Children, Pet, Daughter, Nationality, Net Worth

Christopher Gary Packham (born 4 May 1961) is an English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter, author, and wildlife campaigner. He is well known for presenting the children’s nature show The Really Wild Show from 1986 to 1995 and the BBC programs Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch since 2009.

Early Life and Education

Chris Packham was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England. He studied at Bitterne Park Secondary School, Taunton’s College, and later went to the University of Southampton. There, he graduated with a degree in Zoology. Chris Packham planned to do a PhD but later chose to train as a wildlife cameraman instead.

Career

Chris Packham started working in television in 1986 and quickly became a popular presenter. He has appeared in many wildlife programs, bringing nature closer to people of all ages. Apart from TV, he has written books, worked as a photographer, and spoken out strongly about animal rights and conservation.

In 2014, Chris Packham helped expose the killing of migrating birds in Malta, and he has often spoken against fox hunting, badger culling, and bird persecution in the UK. He also led the People’s Walk for Wildlife in 2018, which gathered thousands of people in support of protecting wildlife.

Views and Campaigns

Chris Packham is outspoken about environmental issues. He has argued for stronger action on protecting wildlife, reducing the human population, and changing harmful practices. He has also promoted veganism, stopped flying within the UK, and drives an electric car to reduce his carbon footprint.

Chris Packham has often faced criticism for his strong views, including calls for him to be removed from the BBC. Despite this, he continues to campaign for animal welfare and conservation.

Personal Life

Chris Packham is the older brother of fashion designer Jenny Packham. He grew up loving nature and once raised a kestrel as a teenager.

Chris Packham has Ménière’s disease, Asperger syndrome, and has spoken openly about his struggles with depression. He lives in the New Forest with his pet poodles.

Chris Packham has been in a long-term relationship with Charlotte Corney, owner of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, though they live separately. He also has a stepdaughter, Megan McCubbin, who is a zoologist and sometimes appears with him on Springwatch.

Awards

Chris Packham has received several honours for his work, including the Dilys Breese Medal and a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to nature conservation.

Parents

Chris Packham father, Colin, worked as a marine engineer and had a thirst for knowledge—he taught Chris by quizzing him from encyclopaedias. His mother, Rita, loved culture and often took young Chris to art galleries, nurturing his interest in art and nature.

Siblings

Chris Packham younger sister is Jenny Packham, a well-known British fashion designer famous for her ready-to-wear collections and wedding dresses. They grew up together in Hampshire and maintain a close sibling bond.

Height 

Chris Packham is approximately 6 ft (1.83 m) tall.

Wife / Partner

Chris Packham is not married but has been in a committed long-term relationship with Charlotte Corney since around 2007. She is a respected zookeeper and former CEO of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. The couple live separately due to their work commitments but share a strong bond through their love of wildlife.

Children (Step-daughter)

Chris Packham does not have biological children but is a proud stepfather to Megan McCubbin, born in February 1995. Megan is a zoologist and wildlife presenter who often appears with him on Springwatch. Their relationship is close and deeply meaningful.

Religion

Chris Packham was raised in a non-religious household. His father was a staunch atheist and his mother took no particular interest in religion, though they occasionally took him to historic churches simply for their architectural or cultural value.

Residence

Chris Packham currently lives in a purpose-built, autism-friendly home near the Beaulieu River, on the edge of the New Forest. This modern home offers a controlled environment that helps him manage sensory sensitivities and routines.

Pets

Chris Packham has always loved animals and currently lives with his miniature poodles, Sid and Nancy, named after Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Before that, he had a poodle named Scratchy, and he’s known for his deep emotional connection to his pets.

Net Worth

Chris Packham estimated net worth is around $7 million as of 2025. This estimate comes from public figures and his diverse career as a broadcaster, author, photographer, and wildlife campaigner.

Controversies

Chris Packham is known for his outspoken views, which have sometimes sparked controversy:

>>In 2009, he said the giant panda is too costly to save and “should be allowed to become extinct,” and even joked he'd “eat the last panda” to reallocate funds—comments he later regretted.

>>In 2017, he was arrested while filming in Malta; the assault charge was dropped after video evidence cleared him.

>>He’s been targeted by harassment—including a suspected arson at his home, dead animals left at his gate, and online threats—without stopping his conservation work.

>>He sued a magazine for defamation; in 2023, a judge ruled in his favor and awarded him £90,000 in damages.

• Parents: Colin (marine engineer), Rita (art lover)

• Sibling:  Younger sister Jenny (fashion designer)

• Height: About 6 ft / 1.83 m

• Partner: Long-term partner Charlotte Corney (not married)

• Step-daughter: Megan McCubbin (zoologist, wildlife presenter)

• Religion: Raised non-religious

• Residence: Autism-friendly home near Beaulieu River, New Forest

• Pets: Miniature poodles Sid & Nancy (formerly Scratchy)

• Net Worth:  Estimated at $7 million

• Controversies: Panda comments, Malta arrest, harassment attacks, libel suit win

FAQs

1. What is Chris Packham real name?

- Chris Packham full name is Christopher Gary Packham.

2. How old is Chris Packham?

- Chris Packham was born on 4 May 1961, which makes him 64 years old (2025).

3. What is Chris Packham nationality?

- Chris Packham is English.

4. What is Chris Packham career?

- Chris Packham is a naturalist, wildlife photographer, television presenter, author, and conservation campaigner.

5. Where did Chris Packham go to school?

- Chris Packham studied at Bitterne Park Secondary School and Taunton’s College, then went to the University of Southampton, where he got a degree in Zoology.

6. Who are Chris Packham parents?

- Chris Packham father, Colin, was a marine engineer, and his mother, Rita, loved culture and art.

7. Does Chris Packham have any siblings?

- Yes, Chris Packham has a younger sister named Jenny Packham, who is a famous fashion designer.

8. How tall is Chris Packham?

- Chris Packham is about 6 feet (1.83 m) tall.

9. Is Chris Packham married?

- No, Chris Packham is not married.

10. Who is Chris Packham partner?

- Chris Packham has been in a long-term relationship with Charlotte Corney, who owns the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

11. Does Chris Packham have children?

- Chris Packham does not have biological children but has a stepdaughter.

12. Who is Chris Packham stepdaughter?

- Chris Packham stepdaughter is Megan McCubbin, a zoologist and wildlife presenter.

13. Does Chris Packham have pets?

- Yes, Chris Packham has two miniature poodles named Sid and Nancy.

14. Where does Chris Packham live?

- Chris Packham lives in a specially designed autism-friendly home near the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, England.

15. What is Chris Packham net worth?

- Chris Packham net worth is estimated to be around $7 million.